- Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary general Edwin Sifuna condemned the remarks by Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga
- However, Sifuna shared his views on how Kenyans should respond to the controversial remarks by the Nyeri governor
- A section of leaders and Kenyans had called for Kahiga’s impeachment after he appeared to celebrate Raila Odinga’s death
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party secretary general Edwin Sifuna has shared his views regarding the controversial remarks by Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga.
Source: Facebook
Kahiga, a close ally of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’ has been trending after he was captured on camera celebrating Raila Amollo Odinga’s death.
Did Mutahi Kahiga celebrate Raila Odinga’s death?
Speaking at a burial in Kieni, Kahiga said the ODM leader’s death was a blessing for the Mt Kenya region.
Remarks by Kahiga attracted strong criticism from Kenyans, including elected leaders, who termed them as reckless and heartless.
Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga issued a statement demanding Kahiga be kicked out from his position as the deputy chair of the Council of Governors (CoG).
Other leaders asked Nyeri County Assembly Members to impeach Kahiga over his controversial remarks.
What Edwin Sifuna said about Kahiga’s remarks
Reacting to Kahiga’s remarks, Sifuna said it was not a secret that some people hated the former prime minister when he was alive.
The ODM secretary general noted that despite the hatred previously directed at Raila, he never imagined some would continue expressing it a few days after his burial.
However, the Nairobi senator called for calm, saying Raila taught Kenyans to always respond with love.
According to Sifuna, had Raila been alive, he would have organised for a lunch meeting with the Nyeri governor.
“We know there are those who hated Baba, but it’s still shocking to hear it. Mutahi Kahiga is easily the vilest of the bunch, but Baba taught us to always respond with love. If he were still around, the next thing you would see is him having lunch with Kahiga,” Sifuna said.
What Anne Waiguru said about Kahiga’s remarks
Source: Facebook
Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru also condemned the controversial remarks by her Nyeri counterpart.
In a tweet, Waiguru said Kahiga’s remarks were personal and do not represent the views of Mt Kenya people and its leadership.
Waiguru insisted that the Mt Kenya region stands in solidarity with the rest of Kenya in mourning Raila, a great statesman.
Did Kimani Ichung’wah condemn Mutahi Kahiga?
National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah also issued a strong statement rebuking Kahiga.
The Kikuyu lawmaker appeared to suggest the Nyeri governor was speaking on behalf of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
Meanwhile, the Council of Governors (CoG) called for an urgent meeting on Wednesday, October 22, following the remarks made by the Nyeri governor.
In a strongly worded statement, CoG chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi, who is deputised by Kahiga, expressed deep disappointment over the governor’s utterances, terming them ‘reckless, insensitive, sad, and unfortunate.’
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
